Shocking Number Of Irish People Admit To Littering On The Streets During Covid-19

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Litter is an issue we seem to always face. From our beaches to our streets, it’s easy to spot, ugly to look at and so easily fixed if we just all play our part.

During Covid-19, you might have spotted an increase in rubbish on the streets of your local city or town; in parks where people congregate or around costal spots, and according to new statistics from McDonald’s, the number of people dumping rubbish where they shouldn’t is upsettingly high.

With one in four people admitting to littering in the past three months, a shocking 60 percent of 18 – 24-year-olds admitted to littering quite occasionally.

38 percent of the people questioned said that when they have littered in the past three months, it was on the streets, with 34 percent saying that they did so because they couldn’t find a bin.

And obviously, this should go without saying, but if you can’t find a bin, bring your rubbish home with you. Highlighting this recent issue, McDonald’s has launched a new social campaign. #GetInTheBin is asking for people and local communities to come together to stop those who are littering in public spaces and on roads. As lockdown measures lift, images across the country have shown a sharp increase in the prevalence of litter

The campaign was spurred on by a recent spike in the number of people driving away from McDonald’s restaurants and dumping once they have left the premises.

This campaign is urging everyone to make a stand and #GetInTheBin by picking up their own rubbish and disposing of it responsibly.

McDonald’s 

Speaking about the new initiative, Beth Hart, Vice President Supply Chain and Brand Trust for McDonald’s said:

“Over the last few months we have seen how important collective responsibility is and we want the Irish public to help us tackle this dreadful and growing problem. Most of our packaging is recyclable, and whilst our dining areas remain closed, we want to see all customers taking their litter home and recycling or disposing of it responsibly.”

And so, as simple as it sounds, if we all just play our part, we can keep our streets and country clean.

As outlined by Citizen’s Information, it’s also important to remember that leaving or throwing litter in a public place is an offence. Littering can result in an on-the-spot fine of €150, or a maximum fine of €3,000 if you are convicted in the District Court. Local authority litter wardens and the Gardaí can issue on-the-spot fines.

And yes, litter includes everything from cigarette butts to dog fouling, right up to larger items like unwanted furniture. You can check out more about McDonald’s sustainability commitments here. #GetInTheBin

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